The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) head to Atlanta for a pivotal NFC South divisional showdown against the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) on Thursday Night Football. With both teams vying for control of the division, the outcome of this game could have significant playoff implications. Coming off a dominating win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bucs look poised to extend their division lead behind the stellar play of quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield delivered one of his best performances of the season last Sunday, amassing over 350 yards of offense and accounting for three touchdowns against the Eagles. His command of the offense was undeniable, as he spread the ball to eight different receivers. The protection up front held strong, allowing only two sacks against one of the league’s best pass rushes, which allowed Mayfield to orchestrate an efficient and explosive attack.
The Buccaneers’ receiving corps was crucial in their victory, with Mike Evans once again proving why he’s one of the NFL’s elite wideouts. Evans caught eight passes for 94 yards and a touchdown, continuing his dominant season. Complementary weapons like Chris Godwin, Sterling Shepard, and Trey Palmer also stepped up in a big way, helping Mayfield keep the Eagles’ defense off balance.
Given the talent around Mayfield and the protection provided by Tampa’s offensive line, there’s no reason to believe his MVP-level play will slow down. If he continues to operate at this level, the Buccaneers could firmly establish themselves as the frontrunners in the NFC South.
In addition to their offensive firepower, the Bucs may get a key boost on the defensive side of the ball this week. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey are both trending toward a return after dealing with injuries, while rookie receiver Jalen McMillan could also be back to give the offense even more depth.
The potential return of Winfield and Kancey would bolster an already strong Buccaneers defense, particularly in the trenches, where Vita Vea continues to be a disruptive force. Vea’s ability to clog up running lanes and collapse the pocket could be crucial against a Falcons team that will look to establish the run early.
For the Falcons, the formula is clear—control the game through the running attack, particularly with rookie sensation Bijan Robinson. Atlanta’s offense is built around Robinson’s versatility, using him to set up their play-action passing game. If Robinson can get going, it will help take the pressure off quarterback Desmond Ridder, who has been inconsistent so far this season.
However, running against the Buccaneers’ defensive front could be a tough task. With Vita Vea anchoring the middle and the potential return of Kancey, the Bucs’ run defense will be a formidable challenge. If Atlanta can’t establish the run, Ridder will need to deliver one of his best performances yet to keep the Falcons competitive.
A win for the Buccaneers would push them two games ahead of Atlanta in the NFC South standings and give them a critical tiebreaker over their division rivals. For the Falcons, a victory would bring them into a tie for first place, while a loss would put them in a hole with the Bucs pulling away.
This NFC South battle will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with both teams looking to make an early statement in the race for the division crown.
Can Baker Mayfield continue his MVP-caliber season and lead the Buccaneers to another victory, or will the Falcons defend their home field and level the division? All eyes will be on Mayfield and the surging Bucs offense as they face their next big test.
